Voll Deineko - RED KALYNA BLUES - "Ой У Лузі Червона Калина" - “Chervona Kalyna” [CC]
In a meadow there is Red Kalyna
Bowing down low
Sadly, our glorious Ukraina
Also got forlorn.
But we will come to our Red Kalyna
And we lift her up
We'll cheer up glorious Ukraina
Hey-hey, and we will rise up! ...
The first time since 1994 Pink Floyd made a new record called 'Hey Hey Rise Up' compiling the Ukrainian song 'Oy u Luzi Chervona Kalyna' (in English - ‘In a meadow there is red Kalyna’), and it’s Pink Floyd’s first time ever – in Ukrainian.
What is the original song about?
The song was written by composer Stepan Charnetsky in 1914 for a theatrical performance and was based on an old folk song of Ukrainian Cossacks from 17th century. With modified melody and text, the song instantly became an anthem of the Ukrainian Legion, aka Ukrainian Sich Riflemen who were fighting against Russian Empire in the WWI.
So, what is Kalyna in the song and why it’s significant? Kalyna, or Viburnum, is a shrub with red berry clusters, and it’s a national symbol of Ukrainian people. The term ‘kalyna’ is present in many Ukrainian folk songs for centuries and has a mystical meaning: it’s associated with the roots of Ukrainian people, their resistance and beauty. In some songs Kalyna is mother, in other’s it’s a girl in love, sometimes it’s a symbol of sorrow, and its berries are like the drops of blood given for the homeland’s freedom. And, in the song ‘In a meadow there is red Kalyna’ – Kalyna is Ukraine itself.
I decided to translate it in to English with a hope it will help to learn more about the Ukrainians and the Ukraine’s rich culture.
It seemed to me that it would sound nice up beat but with a bluesy feel.
English lyrics, arrangement © Voll Deineko, April 2022
#kalyna #ukrainianmusic #peremoha